1[intransitive](+adv./prep.)to hang or swing freelyGold charms dangled from her bracelet.A single light bulb dangled from the ceiling.His legs dangled over the side of the boat.He sat on the edge with his legs dangling over the side.

2[transitive]dangle somethingto hold something so that it hangs or swings freelyShe dangled her car keys nervously as she spoke.

Word Originlate 16th cent.: symbolic of something loose and pendulous, corresponding to Danishdangle, Swedishdangla, but the origin is unclear.Extra examplesHe dangled his legs over the edge of the bridge.He dangled the prospect of enormous wealth before us.Her arms dangled loosely by her sides.His foothold gave way, and he was left dangling from his rope.The boss wanted us to work more hours, dangling the carrot of well-paid overtime.Idioms

(informal)to keep somebody in an uncertain state by not telling them something that they want to knowShe kept him dangling for a week before making her decision.Phrasal Verbsdangle something before somebody